I had the most wonderful uncle who LOVED the 4th. He would spend hours and hours handwiring up his own fireworks display. The local fire dept would come and watch and wait to put out any fires. EVERYONE in the neighborhood would be there. He had a big BBQ and boiled homegrown corn on the cob in 50 gallon barrels. It was the best 4th I could ever imagine. Its not like that anymore and my uncle died on July 3rd, 1973, but I still remember it like it was yesterday.
Hope you enjoy your 4th of July get-togethers. We have so much to be thankful for. Sure, it's far from perfect, but all in all, it is still pretty darn good!